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Its primary ministry is helping hurting children and teenagers. In late 2001, the Center agreed to affiliate with other programs using Blessing Based Spiritual Nurture and Holy Listening in their ministries with children, teens and adults. The Blessing Center was the first program to affiliate with First Steps.
First
Steps introduces its ministry in this way: “God said to Moses, at the bank of the Red Sea, “Why do you stand there? Take a step forward.” As the people take that first step, the sea parts and they walk across it. God has been with God’s people since the beginning. The biblical story of Moses in the book of Exodus is a favorite of many children and adults. In this story Moses is called by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. As soon as the Pharoah has agreed to let the Israelites go, he has a change of heart and pursues them to the banks of the Red Sea, where they stand trapped between an angry army and angry sea. Panicked, they cry out to Moses for help. Moses says, “Do not be afraid. Stand still and see what God will do for you.” God replies, “Go!” and the people take that first step of faith toward the raging waters of the sea, which parts and provides a path of dry land over which the Israelites walk to freedom. Its name describes the essence of the First Steps Spirituality Center. The Center was founded as a ministry of the United Methodist Church, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, by the Rev. Leanne Ciampa Hadley. Dedicated to providing spiritual nurture for children and teens who are experiencing loss and pain, the center, now a non-profit community ministry, works with groups and individuals to bring healing by helping young persons use their own God-given innate spiritual strength, in partnership with a caring adult. In addition, the Center trains adults (professionals, parents, grandparents, other caregivers) who work with children in ways to help young people heal the hurts in their lives.” -Leanne Hadley, President and Founder
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